STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1870

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NO. 734

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 734, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of:

Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs

G.M. No. 734

BARBARA SERVICE, for a term to expire 06-30-2028,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Barbara Service for service on the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Barbara Service from the Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition, AARP Hawaiʻi, and two individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Service's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Your Committee notes that Ms. Service has served for over forty years as a public social worker before her retirement, and is an expert in providing social services to a variety of underserved populations. Before moving to the State, Ms. Service served for approximately twenty years as a social worker for the Yuba County Welfare Department in Marysville, California, specializing in child protective services. In 1987, Ms. Service relocated to Hawaii and started working for the Department of Human Services as a child protective services investigator and progressed to become a social work supervisor overseeing child protective services from 1990 to 2010, demonstrating her knowledge of navigating the State's social services system and her dedication and empathy to the populations she serves. Your Committee further notes that since 2008, Ms. Service has been an active community member in various kupuna advocacy groups, including AARP Hawaiʻi, Kokua Council, Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans, Hawaiʻi Family Caregiver Coalition, and the Long-Term Care Task Force. Your Committee finds that Ms. Service has previously served as a member of the Board and therefore, has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee believes that Ms. Service's extensive experience and knowledge as a public social worker and dedication to improve the quality of life for kupuna in the State will enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Barbara Service be appointed to the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair